Super Bowl 2016: Drones cannot be flown within 32 miles of the Levi's Stadium

Drones like this DJI Phantom cannot be flown within 32 miles of the Super Bowl game on 7 FebruaryReuters

Drones of any size cannot be flown within 32 miles of the Levi's Stadium, California on the day of the Super Bowl match between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos. The ban will be in place on game day, 7 February, from 2pm until midnight.

The 2015 Super Bowl also had a drone ban placed on it by the US Federal Aviation Authority, but for 2016 a huge increase in consumer drone use has seen the FAA produce a short video and spread its message across social media channels.

Covering much of Santa Clara, the 32-mile ban extends upwards to 18,000 feet. No aircraft apart from commercial planes and police helicopters are allowed within 10 miles of the stadium, while other aircraft may fly within 10 and 32 miles if they have their flight plans approved by the FAA.

All other aircraft, including all types of drone, aerobatic flights, gliders and planes towing banners are banned from the entire 32-mile area. Additionally, a second no-fly zone affecting all by approved aircraft will be imposed over San Francisco. This zone has a radius of two miles and extends to an altitude of 2,500 feet.

'No Drone Zone'

FAA administrator Michael Huerta said: "With so many drones being sold for recreational use, we want to do everything we can to get the word out that the game is a No Drone Zone. We're working closely with our safety and security partners to spread this message as widely as possible."

Any drone pilots found breaking the no-fly rule – even those hovering a small drone in their garden 30 miles away – could face a fine and have criminal charges brought against them. Individuals could receive fines of us to $1,000 (£683), while business fines run up to $27,500.

The FAA also said the US government "may use deadly force against the airborne aircraft, if it is determined that the aircraft poses an imminent security threat." Thankfully for any careless drone owners, this only applies to manned aircraft which cross into the no-fly zone.